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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  USSO 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


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Technical  and  Bibilographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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ny\    Covers  damaged/ 

I — I    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  la 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul6e 

Covef  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


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Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

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Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

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modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 


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Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
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% 


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Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  r6duction  indiqu6  ci-dessous 

10X  14X  18X  2X 


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m 

24X 


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32X 


■'■•.-.~»»4iWrtiRtlt\ijlW,,,j.».,4^ 


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ire 

details 
les  du 
modifier 
|er  une 
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conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


i6es 


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shall  contain  the  symbol  ^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


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la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
.   mboleV  signifie  "FIN". 


lire 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
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method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
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Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


by  errata 
led  to 

ent 

une  pelure, 

Fagon  d 


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2 

3 

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•■*»'»"»*«(»if,4«it«W.vv- •.«. 


,;«t(iiat»6»«udiiNi)t 


;i*^' lA^*/'.*^ .*-^i^*^D.*«v *'^ ^«i.*i*^%  ^ *.':'->^ i 


"Fob  Christ  and  the  Church." 


The  Lookout  Committee 


AND  ITS  WORK. 


_y^ 


Francis  E,  Ci^rk    D.  D., 


President  of  thk  Osited  Society  or  CHimmAM  Emdkavok. 


COPYRlnHTED  1890. 


I    '/iAn29»890  Jl^ 


PtniL:  ■IIINO  Dbpartmknt 

UNITBD  BOCIBTY  Or  CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR, 

to  BROMk'lu.D  Street,  ^ston,  Mass. 

UFO. 


A  FAMILIAR  LETTER. 

From  the  President  of  the  United  Society. 


TO  THK  LOOKOUT  COMMITTKE. 

My  Dear  Friknds  :  It  l^  about  time,  1  think,  that 
some  of  the  luiumulated  good  things  which  I  hnve  been 
treasuring  up  for  a  long  ttaie  should  he  handed  over 

to  you. 

I  am  often  asked  which  is  the  most  nnportant 
committee  connected  with  our  society.  Comparisons 
are  said  to  be  twlious,  and  where  each  committee  is  of 
vital  importance  in  its  own  spliere,  there  is  no  need 
of  instituting  comparisons,  but  I  tliiiik  if  I  must  give 
up  any  committee,  the  last  one  I  would  want  to  part 
with  would  be  the  Lookout  Committee.  Jt  is  more 
unique  and  peculiar  to  tlie  Christian  Endeavor  Society 
than  any  other.  It  affords  an  unrivalled  opportunity  to 
do  good,  and  that  is  the  standard  of  value  in  all  the 
committees. 

There  is  a  chance,  if  you  are  on  this  committee,  to 
exercise  all  your  zeal  and  wisdom  and  piety  and 
sanctified  sense.  Faithful  and  efficient  as  are  many  of 
our  I/K)kout  Ck)mmittee8,  we  have  not  begun  to  exhaust 
the  possibUities  which  they  contain  for  helping  the 
society  und  aiding  the  pastor  and  blessing  the  church. 
Let  me  divide  what  1  have  to  say  nnder  four  short 
heads,— what  you  can  do  for  the  church,  for  the  society 


■^t 


5 


FDR, 


:iety. 


E. 

1  think,  that 
L'h  1  hnve  beeu 
B  handed  over 

B8t  important 
Comparisons 
ommittee  is  of 
re  is  no  need 
f  I  must  give 
want  to  part 
!.  Jt  is  more 
deavor  Society 
opportunity  to 
due  in  all  the 

committee,  to 
,nd  piety  and 
IS  are  many  of 
gun  to  exhaust 
ir  helping  the 
ng  the  church, 
der  four  short 
for  the  society 


1? 


3 

""as  a  whole,  for  the  active  members,  for  the  associate 
members.    A  minister  always  feels  more  comfortable, 
A  you  know,  when  he  gets  Ins  sermon  well  dlvldetl  up  Into 
,  secondly,  thirdly,  fourthly.    First, — 


r 


■  firstly. 


FOR  THE  CHURCH. 


i 


I  will  leave  this  part  of  your  work  for  you  to  settle 
with  your  own  pastor.  He  is  the  K-st  adviser.  But  be 
sure  and  lay  the  matter  before  him,  and  ask  him  what 
he  wishes  you  to  do  for  the  church.  ITie  very  asking  ot 
this  question  and  offering  of  this  service.  In  themselves, 
are  acts  of  no  small  consequence.  At  the  beginning  of 
my  pastorate,  1  remember  that  two  or  three  young 
ladles  came  to  me  at  the  close  of  one  of  the  first 
praj'er-meetlngs  (It  w^as  before  a  Cliristian  Endeavor 
Society  had  been  established),  and  said,  "What  can  we 
do  to  help  you,  Mr.  Clark?  Please  let  us  know,  and 
remember  that  we  are  always  ready  to  du  what  we  can 
for  the  church  and  Its  pastor.'*  That  simple  assurance 
gave  me  new  courage  for  pionths  to  come.  I  may  safely 
leave  this  division  of  this  little  sei-mon  for  yon  and  your 
pastor  to  subdivide  and  Illustrate,  and  to  add  the  Improvo- 
nicnts.  If  I  know  anything  about  your  pastor,  he  will 
give  you  plenty  to  do  If  you  cordially  offer  your  services. 

FOR  THE  SOCIETY. 

To  the  society,  as  a  whole,  the  I^ookout  Committee 
holds  a  very  Important  relation.  What  the  "standing 
committee"  Is  to  the  church,  what  the  Governor's  Council 
Is  to  the  State,  what  the  President's  Cabinet  is  to  the 
nation,  such,  to  some  extent.  Is  the  I.ookout  Committee 
to  the  society.    This  committee  is  the  door  through 


whUh  the  new  members  enter  in.  What  the  society 
shall  be,  whether  careless  and  hiefflcient,  or  faithful, 
earnest  and  zealous,  will  depend  largely  upon  this 
committee.  If  the  door  Is  opened  too  wide,  so  that  all 
who  wish  conie  in  to  the  active  membership,  whether 
they  are  earnest  Christians  or  not,  the  society  degenerates 
swiftly  and  surely.  If  in  your  term  of  office  you 
a<lmit  some  unfaithful  members,  you  will  do  the  society 
an  Injury  which  half  a  score  of  future  committees  may 
not  be  able  to  remedy.  Of  course  you  cannot  ensure 
complete  faithfulness  and  the  highest  style  of  Christian 
character  on  the  part  of  every  one  who  joins  the  society, 
but  it  is  your  duty  to  make  sure  that  every  applicant 
knows  what  he  U  doing,  that  he  has  seen  the  Constitution, 
that  he  understands  the  pledge,  and  that  you  have  his 
promise,  with  the  help  of  God,  to  live  up  to  it. 

TO  THE  ACTIVK  MEMBERS. 

Here  your  work  intermingles  with  the  labors  of  some 
other  committees,  like  the  Prayer-meeting,  the  Callhig 
Committee,  etc.,  and  yet  It  is  quite  distinct.  You  should 
know  who  among  the  active  members  are  habitually 
absent  from  the  meetings ;  you  should  find  out  who,  If 
any,  are  negligent  to  their  vows;  you  should  take  the 
names  of  those  who  do  not  respond  to  the  roll  at 
the  consecration-meeting,  and  look  them  up  at  once. 
Do  not  wait  until  they  have  forfeited  their  membership 
before  callhig  on  them,  but  after  the  Jlrst  unexcused 
absence  from  a  consecration-meeting,  call  on  them,  and 
you  may  be  able  to  save  them  to  the  society.  Your 
committee  should  sit  In  different  parts  of  the  room  if 
the  meet'ng  is  a  large  one,  so  as  to  liave  some  oversight 


hat  the  society 
i^iit,  or  faithful, 
gely  upon  this 
ivide,  so  that  all 
lersh'ip,  whether 
ilety  degenerates 

I  of   office  you 

II  do  the  society 
committees  may 
1  cannot  ensure 
;j'le  of  Christian 
loins  the  society, 

every  applicant 
the  Cofutitution, 

Mt  you  have   hia 

7  it. 

ts. 

e  labors  of  some 

ting,  the  CallUig 

net.    You  should 

•s  are  habitually 

find  out  who,  if 

should  take  the 

to    the   roll   at 

lem  up  at  once. 

;helr  membership 

e  Jirtt  uuexcused 

sail  on  them,  and 

le  society.    Your 

s  of  the  room  if 

ire  some  oversight 


of  all,  In  a  quiet  way.  A  record  book,  which  you  carry 
in  your  pocket,  and  which  will  show  at  a  glance  who 
are  present  and  who  have  taken  part  in  each  meeting,  is 
a  valuable  help  and  easily  kept,  after  you  once  get 
accustomed  to  It.  "But,"  you  say,  "I  do  not  like 
to  act  the  part  of  spy. "  No  one  asks  you  to 
do  this.  You  are  simply  asked  to  do  the  very 
duties  for  which  you  were  chosen  when  you  were 
eleeteil  upon  the  Lookout  Committee.  No  one  can 
complain  of  you  for  doing  your  duty.  U  any  active 
members  are  wilfully  uufaltliful  and  obdurate,  then  let 
the  society  drop  them  after  three  consecutive  unexcused 
absences  from  the  consecration-meeting.  Ton  do  not 
drop  them,  they  drop  themselves  by  their  own  unfaith- 
fulness. The  rule  Is  not  a  hard  one.  It  is  a  mistaken 
kindness  to  the  active  member  to  keep  him  after  he  has 
violated  the  pledge;  It  U  disastrous  to  the  society  to 
do  th's. 

TO  THE  ASSfXJIATE  MKHBERS. 

Your  relations  to  the  associate  members  may  be 
exceedingly  helpful.  If  you  will  but  make  them  so. 
Remember,  that  every  one  of  them,  and,  for  that 
matter,  every  young  person  in  the  church  and  Sunday 
school,  is  a  candidate  for  active  membership  in  the 
society  and  in  the  church,  and  do  not  be  satisfied  until 
you  have  done  all  you  can  to  bring  this  about.  Do  not 
be  in  too  much  of  a  hurry  to  bring  them  into  the  society 
as  active  members,  until  they  give  some  good  evidence 
of  l)eing  active  Christians,  but  on  the  other  hand,  do  not 
delay  a  single  week  In  bringing  them  in  after  they  are 
willing  to  say  that  they  will  live  for  Christ  and  do  their 
duty  as  active  members.    To  sum  it  all  up  in  a  word. 


e 

yoar  duty  1b  to  do  all  that  you  can  to  keep  the  society 
active,  earnest,  effleient,  aplritually-minded.  No  alight 
task,  18  it?  But  you  can  do  it  "through  Him  who 
strengthoneth  you."  \ 

ANOTHER  WAY  O'"  HELPINO  THE  SOCIETY. 

Bringing  just  as  many  of  your  members  as  possible 
under  the  stimulating  Influence  of  Christian  Endeavor 
conventions,  i-ouferences,  union  meetings,  etc.  These 
meetiiigs  will  often  do  you  more  good  than  you  Imagine, 
by  awakening  an  Interest  in  the  whole  society,  and 
by  stimulating  all  to  renewed  earnestness.  A  single 
delegate  has  often  brought  back  enough  inspiration 
from  one  of  our  great  conventions  to  kindle  the 
enthusiasm  of  a  w  hole  society. 

Your  committee  Is  such  an  Interesting  one,  and  the 
subjects  It  opens  are  so  prolifl  J,  that  the  only  trouble  Is 
to  know  where  to  stop ;  but  I  will  let  others  give  you 
their  Idea  of  what  the  Lookout  Committee  should  be  and 
do.  I  will  only  add  that  observation  and  correspondence 
lead  me  to  believe  that  the  great  majority  of  our 
Lookout  Committees  are  exceedingly  earnest  and 
faithful,  and  to  them  Is  due  no  small  share  of  the 
success  of  our  societies.  That  this  may  be  true  of 
every  one  is  the  wish  and  prayer  of  your  friend, 

Fkancis  E.  ("lark. 


ceep  the  society 
(led.  No  slight 
Dugh   Him  who 


GLEANINGS  FROM  THE  LOOKOUT  FIELD. 


SOCIETY. 

hers  as  possible 
Istian  Endeavor 
igs,  etc.  These 
lan  j'oii  initiglne, 
)le  society,  and 
tness.  A  single 
ugh  inspiration 
to   kindle    the 

ig  one,  and  the 
J  only  trouble  Is 
others  give  you 
ee  should  be  and 
I  correspondence 
Majority  of  our 
y  earnest  and 
ill  share  of  the 
may  be  true  of 
ir  friend, 

CIS  E.  CILARK. 


BY   M.  ARONSTTA  WILBUR. 


Any  one  who  reads  carefully  the  signs  of  the  times,  as 
displayed  over  shop  doors,  and  emphasized  in  conversa- 
tion, will  be  impressed  with  the  practical  tendency  of 
our  age.  We  have  "practical  plumlwra,"  "practical 
carpenters  and  builders;"  our  business  colleges  adver- 
tise the  benetlts  of  a  "practical  education;"  and  the 
theme  of  pulpit  discourse  Is  no  longer  doctrine,  but 
"practical  religion."  Of  all  things  yet  attempted,  I 
know  of  nothing  more  practical  In  Us  sphere  fj>r  good, 
than  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society.  To  every  sitle  of 
man's  varied  nature  does  It  appeal,  urging  the  conviction 
that  It  Is  not  merely  a  lip-con»ecration  which  is  re<|uired 
to  serVe  God,  but  one  so  deep  and  abiding  that  our 
words,  our  Intellect,  our  social  pleasures,  our  business 
capacity,  our  home  duties,  our  missionary  interest,  and 
our  tact,  shall  all  be  embraced  in  this  Christian  conse- 
cration. This  is  the  end  we  liave  in  view,  this  tlie 
feeling  which  we  desire  to  stimulate  and  cultivate  in 
every  heart.  How  best  to  do  this  is  the  all-important 
question. 

The  functions  of  the  Lookout  Committee  liave  been  so 
often  discussed  tliat  ft  seems  almost  superfluous  to 
attempt  to  deline  or  enlarge  upon  them.  Were  1  to 
rename  it,  the 

7 


:..-^>iJH>^v'*t'-'»TJ**=»-*^''* 


OVMNASTIC  COMMITTEK 

would  most  iH'uily  in<'<-t  my  vUnva  of  its  work ;  for  it« 
iiH'inlMTrt  munt  Im!  Iu'It,  Hhmh'  imd  everywhere;  isow 
moimtiiig  <m  the  wlii}<8  of  piiiyer  with  the  Devotional 
<  ommUtw,  now  exthuuglug  i-onllul  greetings  with  the 
Soeliil  Committee,  tlien  waftcii  by  harmonious  breezes 
Into  the  eompanlonshlp  of  the  Music  Committee,  lend- 
ing a  lu^li)lng  hand  to  that  committee  whose  field  Is  the 
world,  and  anou  In  the  ranks  of  the  recruiting  sergeants 
of  the  Sunday  School  Committee. 

HOW  TO  DO  THE  WORK. 

From  the  preceding  brief  n;vlew  oi  the  work  It  will  be 
seen  that  our  first  duty  is  to  look  after  the  other 
committees,  by  constantly  bringing  to  their  attention 
suggestions  and  ideas  which  may  have  escaped  tliem ; 
and  here  the  utmost  tact  must  be  used,  lest  we  be  termed 
"offlclous,"  where  we  mean  to  be  only  helpful. 

The  subject  we  subdivided  into:  (1)  How  to  tecure 
members.     (2)  How  to  care  for  these  members. 

1.  All  people  like  attention;  and  a  cordial  handshake 
at  the  door,  a  pleasant  greeting  on  the  street,  to  the  one 
who  Is  out  of  the  fold,  may  be  as  potent  as  the  prayer- 
meeting  In  filling  our  ranks. 

The  next  point  to  be  observed  is  to  make  the  meetings 
attractive.  To  accomplish  this  we  must  have  a  con- 
stantly varying  oi-der  of  exercises;  must  see  that  the 
room  Is  cheery  and  comfortable ;  and  above  all,  that  It 
is  well-veutllated;  it  is  almost  Impossible  to  give  fixed 
attention  when  the  air  is  hot  and  impure.  Devot'ou 
declines  as  the  mercury  rises.  In  an  attractive  meeting, 
music  plays  an  Important  part,  aud  we  should  assist  by 


work;  for  its 
•y where ;  now 
the  DcvotUmul 
itlugB  with  the 
onlouA  breezes 
mmitteo,  lend- 
I08C  field  Is  the 
Itlng  sergeaiita 


work  It  will  be 
fter  the  other 
their  attention 
escaped  tliem; 
It  we  be  termed 
Ipful. 

How  to  secure 
mbers. 

■dial  han'dahake 
;reet,  to  the  one 

as  the  prayer- 

ke  the  meetings 
8t  have  a  con- 
st see  that  the 
t)ove  all,  that  It 
le  to  give  fixed 
pure.  Devot'ou 
ractlve  meeting, 
should  assist  by 


e 

every  menus  in  our  power  to  make  the  sei-vlco  of  song 
iiit ((resting,  beneficial  and  comi»lete;  for  souls  have  been 
sung  into  the  kingtioni  when  they  coultl  have  been 
reached  In  no  other  way. 

An  efl"ectlve  way  to  secure  members  from  the  Suui'ay 
si'hool,  is  to  send  personal  notes  of  invitation,  or  dis- 
tribute topic  cards  with  an  earnest  request  to  attend  the 
meetings.  And  the  one  who  has  made  the  r  'quest  must 
surely  remember  to  greet  the  new-comer  at  the  meeting, 
liftstly,  we  must  show  In  ourselves  the  benefits  of 
membership  In  our  society;  and  this  Is  really  the  prin- 
cipal agent  in  securing  members.  Wlien  we  can  show 
liow  blest  is  "the  tie  that  binds  our  hearts  in  Christian 
love,"  and  prove  by  our  daily  growth  in  grace  and 
conversation,  that  "the  fellowship  of  kindred  minds  is 
like  to  that  above,"  we  may  rest  assured  that  others  will 
want  to  join  us. 

2.  'Vhe  second  class  of  duties  that  await  us  are  the 
answers  to  the  question,  "How  can  we  care  for  our 
members?"  Our  constitution  declares  that  the  object  of 
the  society  Is  to  "promote  an  earnest  Christian  life 
among  its  niembcrs,  to  increase  their  mutual  acquaint- 
ance, and  make  them  more  useful  in  the  service  of  God." 
The  means  and  methods  which  best  secure  this  result  are 
the  ones  we  must  employ.  In  speaking  further  of 
methods.  It.  is  necessary  for  me  to  adr.  '  that  these 
suggestions  are  not  all  the  result  of  aucccs.ful  experi- 
ment, but  too  often,  alas!  the  aftermath  of  discouraging 

failures. 

Tlie  personnel  of  the  committee  Is  the  first  considera- 
tion, and  the  prime  requisites  for  a  member  of  it  arc 
consecration  to  the  work  of  the  Master,  and  an  obliging 


i 


iivLfjVW-i-a^i*- 


10 


iiS:: 
I 


readiness  to  do  anything  iisked,  regardless  of  i>erwon8l  ia- 
convenience.  Those  committee  meetings  prove  the  most 
l)r()rttiible  which  are  preceded  by  a  short  devotional  service. 
As  a  g(!neral  thing  no  new  application  shonld  be  acted 
npon,  until  some  member  of  the  committee  has  become 
personally  acquainted  with  the  applicant.  In  a  rapidly 
growing  society  this  proves  a  very  necessary  measui-e. 

In  case  a  member  leaves  the  city  to  reside  elsewhere, 
a  letter  of  dismission  from  the  home  society  to  one  in  his 
new  home  is  always  granted.  But  if  there  Is  no  society 
in  the  new  liome,  the  name  of  the  absent  member  Is  kept 
on  the  books  until  he  requests  a  letter,  or  the  dropping 
of  his  name.  Members  absent  from  the  consecration 
meeting,  wliether  active  or  associate,  are  wa -ned  by  a 
kindly  circular,  and  invited  to  attend  the  next  meeting, 
while  across  the  top  of  the  circular  sent  to  those  absent 
from  three  consecudve  meetings  is  written  the  ominous 
"Third  call  and  vv  irning  before  dropping  the  name  from 
the  roll."  Without  any  qualification  of  the  statement, 
this  is  the  saddest  duty  our  committee  has  to  perform. 
When  a  name  has  been  dropped  from  membership,  the 
greatest  care  and  tact,  or  ''sanctified  common-sense," 
must  be  used,  else  the  member  dropped  from  the  roll 
will  In  turn  cease  to  attend  any  of  the  meetings,  and 
break  off  this  last  restraining  Influence.  By  the  gentle- 
ness of  Christ  manifested  in  our  lives,  we  must  try  fo 
win  him  back  to  the  fold. 

But  let  no  one  imagine  that  this  work  is  all  easy,  and 
moves  along  in  well-oiled  grooves. 

DISI  'OlUAC.KMEXrS. 

Apathetic  ( 'In-istians,  members  who  arc  not  workers, 
and  who  have  to  be  urged  to  take  part,  a  lagging  interest 


%. 


less  of  }>«rHonal  In- 
iigs  prove  the  most 
;  devotional  service, 
on  should  be  acted 
mittee  has  become 
cant.  Ill  a  rapidlj' 
cessary  nieasui-e. 
»  reside  elsewhere, 
oclety  to  one  in  his 
there  Is  no  society 
Biit  member  is  kept 
r,  or  the  dropping 
1  the  consecration 
,  are  wa'iied  by  a 
the  next  meeting, 
int  to  those  absent 
ritten  the  ominous 
)ing  the  name  from 
I  of  the  statement, 
ee  has  to  perform, 
in  membership,  the 
id  common-sense," 
jped  from  the  roll 
the  meetings,  and 
L-e.  By  the  gentle- 
es,  we  must  try  fo 

ork  is  all  easy,  and 


lo  !ii-i'  not  workers, 
t,  a  lugging  interest 


11 

in  the  prayer-meeting  and  a  laxity  in  pledge-keeping, 
women  afraid  to  take  part,  poor  singing,  no  spontaneity 
in  prayer,  irrelevant  conversation  at  its  closes  all  these 
are  discouraging  elements,  and  were  they  all  found  in 
one  society,  we  might  predict  the  speedy  death  of  that 
society.  But  they  are  not,  and  although  in  our  midst 
may  be  many  of  these  discouraging  features,  "witli  God 
all  things  are  possible,"  and  we  may  and  can  overcome 
them. 

Let  us  not  be  discoiu-aged  if  our  society  seems  not  so 
prosperous  as  another,  or  if  we  cannot  follow  successfully 
the  rule  which  some  other  society  has  tried  with  large 
results.  Tlie  same  task  is  assigned  to  each  society,  to 
bring  salvation  to  human  souls;  we  have  the  same 
motive,  love  for  Christ;  the  same  working  materials, 
consecrated  hearts  and  hands ;  yet  into  this  work  our 
individuality  will  creep;  our  work  and  methods  must 
hear  our  own  stamp.  Suggestions,  seed-thoughts  of 
methods,  we  may  receive  from  others,  but  they  must  be 
planted  in  our  own  brain-soil,  fertilized  by  our  prayers 
and  character  before  they  can  bring  forth  the  distinctive 
fruit  required  by  the  necessities  of  our  work. 

Yet,  in  spite  of  diflSculties  and  discouragements,  the 
work  has  its  encouraging  features.  As  month  by 
.nciith  we  watch  the  growth  in  grace  of  our  members, 
tlie  greater  readiness  in  payer,  and  increasing  famil- 
iarity with  the  Bible,  we  rejoice  greatly.  And  when 
these  are  joined  with  increased  interest  in  church  work 
and  philanthropic  efforts  of  all  kinds,  indications  of 
spiritual  broadening  and  wakefulness,  we  realize  that 
we  young  people  are  aiding  iu  the  religious  education  of 
each  other,  and  helping  to  bring  about  the  time  when 


Id 


19 

"they  that  lOve  the  Lord  shall  speak  often  one  to 
anothtvv,"  and  our  hearts  are  filled  with  gratitude  to  our 
Heavenly  Father  that  He  has  permitted  us  to  have  some 
share,  however  sniall,  in  the  worlc  of  enlarging  and 
strengthening  His  Itiugdom  on  earth. 

WHY    DO  THE  WORK. 

We  have  endeavored  thus  far  to  show  how  this  work 
was  to  be  done,  and  now  we  are  confronted  by  the 
inevitable  "ITfty?"  Why  does  a  Lookout  Committee 
exists  In  brief,  we  might  answer  that  no  human 
machinery  has  yet  been  invented  that  did  not  need 
constant  watchfulness  to  keep  it  in  running  order,  and 
no  organization  is  so  per  3ct  that  if  left  to  general 
direction  it  will  not  become  rusty  and  fall  to  pieces.  In 
this  matter  of  watching  the  workings  of  the  society,  its 
needs,  growth,  opportunities  and  possibilities,  the 
Lookout  Coramittee  but  assists  the  president.  Some  one 
on  the  "lookout"  is  a  necessity  in  every  ship,  and  not 
less  in  the  ship  of  tho  church  and  the  society  than  in  the 
Chre<U  Eastern.  A  second  reason  is  found  in  the  primary 
and  fundamental  work  of  the  society,  the  chief  object  of 
our  labors,  the  salvation  of  immortal  human  souls.  This 
is  the  effort  which  commands  our  highest  energies. 
Says  Victor  Hugo,  "Our  duty  is  to  cultivate  the  human 
soul,  to  rid  God's  orchard  of  caterpillars."  To  destroy 
the  cankerworms  of  worltiliness,  frivolity,  and  divided 
interest,  which  are  eating  the  hearts  of  many  professing 
f'hristians,  leaving  only  a  harvest  of  withered  leaves 
w  liere  much  fruit  was  expected,  surely  this  is  our  plain 
and  inevitable  duty.  And  if  the  worm  is  in  our  own 
hearts,  let  us  first  of  all  crusli  it  there. 


^i*MlV5 


18 


:   often  one  to 

gratitude  to  our 

js  to  have  some 

enlarging  and 


how  thla  work 
fronted  by  the 
out  Committee 
hut  no  human 
t  did  not  need 
ning  order,  and 
left  to  general 
11  to  pieces.  In 
'  the  society,  its 
>s8ibilities,  the 
lent.  Some  one 
y  ship,  and  not 
:icty  than  in  the 
1  in  the  primary 
e  chief  object  of 
lan  souls.  This 
Ighest  energies, 
ivate  the  human 
s."  To  destroj' 
ity,  and  divided 
nany  professing 
withered  leaves 
his  is  our  plain 
I  is  ill  our  own 


There  is  another  reason  why  we  should  try  to  save 
souls,  because  only  thus  can  we  prove  that  our  faith  is 
real  and  vital.  If  Christ  has  been  precious  to  us,  we 
should  be  only  too  glatl  to  tell  others  the  "old,  old  story 
tif  Jesus  and  His  love." 

I  have  already  alluded  to  the   fact   that  the  main 
uecessitj-  in  our  work  is  consecration.    Unless  we  are 
thoroughly  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  humble  devoted- 
ness  to  Christ,  doing  all  with  an  eye  single  to  His 
service,  we  shall  be  in  great  danger  of  becoming  relig- 
iously vain  about  our  society  and  our  usefulness,  and 
the    splendid   work   our  committee   is  accomplishhig. 
Especially  is  this  the  danger  in  a  large  and  growing 
society,  wliere  we  are  apt  to  strive  for  pre-eminence  in 
State  reports  rather  than  for  the  good  of  souls.    Only 
Christ  in  our  hearts  can  keep  us  fi-om  religious  vanity. 
Eternal  vigilance  or  vigUance  for  things  eternal  is  what 
we  need.    We  might  well  follow  the  example  of  Petm, 
the  Fisher  Maiden  of  BjSrnstjerne  BjSrnson's  creation, 
who,  gazing  into  the  starry  sky,  "knew  that  hers  were  as 
many  moments  as  shone  twinkling  lights  yonder,  and 
she  grayed  God  that  He  would  assist  her  to  make  each 
one  radiant  in  uses,  that  so  His  love  might  have  created 
no  light  in  vain."    "Kadiant  in  uses!"    Surely  a  life 
whose  comprehensive  moments  can  thus  be  described 
will  sparkle  with  eternal  brilliance  in  that  day  when  the 
Lord  makes  up  His  jewels. 

QUESTION-BOX. 

1.  Why  has  not  our  society  succeeded  in  accortipllsh- 
ing  the  good  results  which  w^  read  about  from  all  other 
quarters? 


14 


Ans.  Not  knowlnjj  your  pefiiliar  oirouinstances  or 
history,  we  eannot  certiiiiily  tell,  but  Judging  from  the 
experience  of  others,  it  is  verj-  likely  beeause  your 
society  has  not  adopted  the  highest  standard.  It  has 
left  the  prayer-meeting  pledge  out  of  the  constitution, 
perhaps,  or  ignored  it,  if  it  has  not  left  it  out.  Cases  of 
complete  or  piirtial  failure  are  almost  always  due  to  this 
lack.  The  remedy  is  reorganization  on  the  stricter 
basis,  and  a  conscientious  fulfllment  of  oliligations. 
This  has  proved  efl'ective  in  hundreds  of  cases. 

2.  Should  the  rules  of  the  constitution  l)e  strictly 
observed? 

Ans.  Yes.  Tliey  should  be  interpreted  according  to 
Christian  common-sense,  and  adhennl  to  conscientiously 
and  faithfully. 

3.  How  often  should  the  Lookout  Committee  visit 
delinquent  members? 

Ans.  After  every  absence  from  a  consecration-meeting. 
Sometimes  a  kindly  note  will  accomplish  as  much  as  or 
more  than  a  visit. 

4.  (a)  Should  the  lookout  committee  interview  all  ab- 
sentees from  regular  meetings  or  simply  from  the  conse- 
cratt'on-meetings?  (6)  In  a  reorganized  society,  will 
it  be  wiser  for  the  lookout  committee  to  interview  all 
who  are  silent  at  the  regular  meetings,  or  simply  at 
the  consecration-meetings? 

Ans.  These  two  questions  are  essentially  one.  Wis- 
dom and  common-sense  as  well  as  faithfulness  should  be 
exercised,  of  course,  in  i*egard  to  all  such  matters,  and 
the  interview  of  the  lookout  committee  should  take  place 
whenever  it  will  do  the  most  good.  The  consecration 
and  roll-call  meeting  gives  the  best  opportunity  to  gliow 


i 


a:  jirirw  if  f  lil'*"''''''^'-  ■■■■'■^"~— ■- 


rouiiistancps  or 
iging  from  the 

bet-ause  yotir 
tiidard.  It  has 
le  constitution, 

out.  Cases  of 
rays  due  to  this 
in  the  stricter 
of  obligations. 
!ases. 
ion   l)e  strictly 

d  according  to 
couHcieiitiously 

'omuiittee  visit 

ration-meeting, 
as  muclj  as  or 

iterview  all  ab- 
f  rom  the  conse- 
d  society,  will 
:o  interview  all 
3,  or  simply  »t 

ally  one.  Wis- 
iluess  dhould  be 
;h  matters,  and 
lould  take  place 
le  consecration 
rtuuity  to  show 


15 

who  is  al)8.'ut  without  excuse,  but  if  an  active  member 
ts  habUually  absent  from  or  silent  in  the  regular  meet- 
ings he  should  be  reminded  of  his  duty.  Whife  the 
looltout  committee  should  avoid  anything  that  looks  like 
offlclousness,  its  great  danger  Is  that  It  will  not  be  suffl- 
clently  prompt  and  faithful.  Anything  that  begins  to 
look  like  iMbitual  or  wilful  absence  or  silence  should  be 
looked  after.  The  committee  is  elected  by  the  society 
for  this  purpose,  and  surely  cannot  be  blamed  for  simply 
doing  its  duty. 

THE  PASTOK'S  CAHINET. 

'ITie  Lookout  Committee  of  the  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor  has  often  been  called  'The  pastor's  cabinet"— 
not  a  bad  name,  .y  any  means.  This  committee  may  be 
of  immense  assistance  to  every  earnest  pastor  In  his 
work.  Many  cases  of  spiritual  decline  can  be  reached 
by  its  members  which  he  cannot  touch.  Much  infor- 
mation concerning  the  advancement  of  the  young  people 
in  the  pilgrim  path  naturally  comes  to  this  committee, 
which  otherwise  the  pastor  would  And  it  very  difficult  to 

gain. 

Let  the  wise  pastor  make  the  most  of  this  agency  for 
helping  and  becoming  acquainted  with  his  young 
people,  which  the  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  puts 

into  his  hands. 

No  pastor  can  do  better  than  to  call  all  the  committees 
of  his  Yonng  People's  Society  together  two  or  three 
times  a  year,  for  consultation,  and  for  the  inspiration 
which  he  alone  can  give  them.  Let  him  consult  with 
his  cabinet,  however,  oftener  than  this.  "How  is 
Johnny  A.  getting  on?"    "I  have  not  heiinl  Susie  B.'a 


16 

voice  in  praycr-meetliig  lately;  what  la  the  peaeonr 
"I  think  that  Charlie  C.  shows  some  signs  of  Interest; 
couldn't  you  help  me  to  bring  him  nearer  to  th» 
Kingdom?"  ITiese  ai-e  some  of  the  questions  and  sng^ 
gestlons  that -will  be  heard  at  this  cabinet  meeting. 
There;  Is  no  prying  espionage  involved  In  this,  but  simplv 
a  kindly  and  pastoral  solicitude,  using  the  readiest  and 
most  efficient  method  for  helping  the  individual  young 
porson  In  the  critical  days  of  early  dlscipleshlp. 
Brethren,  let  us  make  the  most  of  these  "pastor's 
cat'.nets."  Lookout  committees,  see  that  the  members 
of  your  pastor's  cabinet  are  alert,  Intelligent  and 
faithful.  * 

SlUOESTIONS. 

1.  Hold  frequent  meetings,-^!  rtalnly  not  less  than 
once  a  month,  when  the  monthly  i<eport  Is  to  be  made 
"^'  ?."•*  ^"^*  ^^°^  '*  ^  presented.  I^t  the  entire 
situation  be  canvassed  at  these  ?r.cctlng8,  and  ways  and 
means  devlsecl  for  Its  betterment.  ' 

2.  Be  all  the  time  on  the  lookout  for  new  membersr 
Explain  to  young  people  what  the  Society  Is  and  does. 
Get  from  the  church  books  a  complete  list  of  the  younjr 
people  of  the  congregation  and  Sunday  school  for 
material  upon  which  to  work,  and  add  to  it  from  the 
outside.    Use  this  list  at  every  committee  meeting. 

;  r®  £*™'^  'hat  everybody  who   comes   Into  the 
society   fully   understands    what    he    undertakes   andi 
promises,     especially    regarding    the     prayer-meeting ! 
pledge.    Keep  all  supplied  with  Constitutions,  and  use 
them.  ' 

4.  Kindly  look  at  the  work  of  the  other  committees  if 
occasion  demands  and  assist  them  in  it.  Let  it  be 
understood  that  the  Lookout  Committee  is  not  meddling 
when  it  attends  to  whatever  concerns  the  welfare  of  the 
society,  but  ofaly  minding  its  own  proper  coustitutiojial 
business. 


t  la  the  reason?" 
signs  of  interest; 
n  nearer  to  t^ 
uestlons  and  sug- 
cabiuet  meeting, 
n  this,  but  simply 
the  readiest  and 
individual  young 
trly  discipleship. 
C  these  "pastor's 
that  the  members 
,    intelligent   and 


nly  not  less  than 
ort  is  to  be  made 
.  I^t  the  entire 
igs,  and  ways  and 

for  new  membersr 
>ciety  is  and  does, 
list  of  the  young 
unday  school   lor 
dd  to  it  from  the 
ttee  meeting. 
>   comes   into  the 
3   undertakes  andi 
e     prayer-meeting  ] 
Jtitutions,  and  use 

ither  committees  if 
in  it.  Let  it  be 
i/ee  is  not  meddlliig 
the  welfare  of  the 
oper  coustitotiojial 


.-,'iti^^;tSSiSw*ise»3i- 


A  ps«r*«J?»^4»«Aft*3K.iaw«ac3!«=«»<*«'*' 


Ci-'^^^^K;**?  '■Ji%6i  ,5U»?  \K  1^^^*^  i^jii';:^**^-^-  ■=-^'''-~'-' 


